Diego and Louis Contreras grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and they plan to prepare the favorite dishes of their home when they open their new Mexican restaurant, La Piñata, later this summer at 520 Main St.

The former Aruba Steve’s has been shuttered for three years, but the brothers said that after some remodeling, the spot will be a perfect location for their traditional Mexican cuisine and music — they plan to have a Mariachi band at least several nights a week and will play traditional music most days.

“We love it here,” Diego said Thursday. “We’ve been welcomed so warmly and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

The brothers Contreras have worked in restaurants for many years, and Paul owns the La Mariachi restaurant on Cape Cod. With partner Paul Covarrivis, they plan to make La Piñata a centerpiece.
Diego described the restaurant’s menu as “100 percent traditional Mexican.” Tortillas and other breads will be made onsite, as will the salsas and other condiments — “everything is made from scratch,” he said.

They spotted the former Aruba Steve’s during a drive through town months ago. Since then they have been working since to negotiate a deal with building owner Steve Correa, obtain the necessary licenses and permissions, and remodel the interior (they plan to use the patio and first floor only). They passed a big hurdle when they obtained a liquor license from the Warren Town Council last week, and the next step is painting inside and out, remodeling and changing the interior to suit their tastes. Interior appointments are on the way from Mexico, and Diego said he hopes the restaurant will be able to open in a month’s time or so.

“We want it to be a good place to come to have a good time, enjoy a Margarita, have some fun and listen to some good music. Something you can enjoy.”